The UK stock market’s benchmark index FTSE 100 saw an upward movement following a flat start on Thursday morning, driven by advancements in the pharmaceuticals and consumer sectors. Easing concerns about inflation and interest rates contributed to the positive mood in the market. Investors are on the edge of their seats as they anticipate the release of vital U.S. non-farm payrolls data later today. The FTSE 100 saw an increase of 45.20 points, translating to a rise of 0.43%, reaching 10,523.54 just before noon.

BAE Systems saw an increase of 2.7%. Tesco, Compass Group, Airtel Africa, and Babcock International saw gains ranging from 2.2% to 2.5%. Pharmaceutical stocks AstraZeneca and GSK saw gains of 1.7% and 1.5%, respectively. Sainsbury (J) saw an increase of nearly 2%. Coca-Cola HBC, British American Tobacco, Aviva, Diageo, Haleon, Marks & Spencer, Burberry Group, St. James’s Place, Lion Finance, Reckitt Benckiser, Admiral Group, and Imperial Brands saw gains ranging from 1% to 1.8%.

Polar Capital Technology Trust, Relx, JD Sports Fashion, Computacenter, The Sage Group, Rio Tinto, Anglo American Plc, Spirax Group, Metlen Energy & Metals, Persimmon, Entain, Barratt Redrow, and Next experienced declines ranging from 1% to 2.3%. Shares of electricals retailer Currys fell nearly 4% even as the company reported an increase in annual profit and unveiled a new share buyback program worth up to £50 million.